Malaysia is extending airport drug screening to Penang and Kota Bahru as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says smugglers are shifting routes to evade controls at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. He made the remarks during Prime Minister’s Question Time on Nov. 3.
Anwar said older screening technology may not detect smugglers’ newer methods. Electronic equipment with analytics is being added alongside sniffer dogs, though he noted that dog checks can make some passengers uncomfortable. The equipment was first deployed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport; Anwar said smugglers have also shifted toward airports including Alor Setar.
The Home Ministry and Transport Ministry drew up a joint action plan in 2025. Following its implementation, authorities recorded 41 seizures involving contraband valued at RM42.38 million at the country’s entry points from August through October 2026. Separately, Anwar said 93 arrests related to attempted drug smuggling were made from January through October, and drugs worth RM202.7 million were seized.
Anwar also cited 44 seizure cases valued at RM11.22 million recorded by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency. Inspections covered 3,637 flights and 19,721 crew members, while passengers underwent 438,000 pat-down checks.
The government has introduced CCTV systems with AI-powered analytics and deployed police and Customs personnel in baggage-sorting areas. Anwar said enforcement measures extend beyond ports and airports because smuggling activity may originate elsewhere.
